Wander Franco Arrested in Dominican Republic Following Gun-Related Altercation

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been arrested in the Dominican Republic following an altercation involving firearms.

As reported by ESPN, the embattled 23-year-old MLB star was arrested on Monday in San Juan de la Maguana after he got into an altercation in the parking lot of an apartment complex during which guns were drawn. According to police sources, Franco and an unidentified woman have been held for questioning, while another man involved has also been arrested. It is unclear if Franco was one of the people involved who had a firearm.

Earlier this year, Franco was formally charged with sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor in the Dominican Republic. The charges arrived following an investigation into allegations he was sexually involved with a 14-year-old girl in the country.

He was arrested in January after he was hit with accusations of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering in relation to a four-month relationship he had with a minor when he was 21. Franco, who signed a $182 million 11-year contract extension with the Rays in November 2021, was put on the MLB's restricted list in August 2023 as a result of the allegations.

Shortly after the MLB's investigation was launched, a second girl filed a lawsuit against Franco, followed by a third girl. The details of these accusations have not been made public. He cannot leave the country under his bail agreement in the lead-up to his trial.